A sniffer dog has been used to successfully identify a tree disease in the UK for the first time.

Ivor, a cross between a cocker spaniel and a labrador, has been trained to detect the deadly tree pathogen Phytophthora ramorum.

The pathogen can cause extensive damage and even death to more than 150 plant species, including larch trees, which are important for timber.

The six-year-old dog was trained by Canine Assisted Pest Eradication in collaboration with the UK's Forest Research.

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Ivor's training involved a variety of detection techniques, including initial scent recognition.

The first round saw him successfully identify Phytophthora ramorum in soil, plant material, and sterile distilled water.

Subsequent training phases introduced Ivor to different working environments, strengthening his detection abilities.

He was eventually able to distinguish Phytophthora ramorum from other Phytophthora species often found in the same environments, ensuring his effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Professor Nicola Spence, the UK's chief plant health officer, said: "This ground-breaking research using detection dogs to identify Phytophthora ramorum, alongside other innovative approaches to tackle pests and diseases, will play a key role in maintaining biosecurity to meet the vision set out in our world-leading Plant Biosecurity Strategy."

The rapid increase in the movement of goods and people between countries, coupled with climate change, has heightened the risk of spreading tree diseases in recent years.

Dr Heather Dun, a Forest Research pathologist, said: "The results from the trials have been incredibly encouraging, with a first-time 89 per cent detection rate highlighting the huge potential of dogs in our fight against pests and diseases."

She added: "Biosecurity is incredibly important and detection dogs like Ivor are an exciting new method for helping to protect our trees."

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Detection dogs have previously been used to tackle the outbreak of the Asian longhorn beetle pest in Kent, in 2012.

Following the success of these initial trials, Forest Research is now considering using detection dogs to help combat other pests and diseases, such as the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle.

Luke Jones, director at Canine Assisted Pest Eradication, said: "We believe that innovation drives progress.

"We’re passionate about discovering the potential of detection dogs who are one of nature’s ‘super-computers’."

Canine Assisted Pest Eradication has also collaborated with Forest Research on proof of concept projects, testing dogs' ability to detect the Great spruce bark beetle and, more recently, the Emerald Ash Borer beetle.

The full report is available on Forest Research's website.